The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-01

Quoted his own defense claiming that he was
urged TO enter Sonora by the oppressed inhab-
itants, and that his object was to raise them In
civilization. He was acquitted Tnis expedition
established his reputation as daring leader and
whetted his ambition. He fixed his attention
upon the Spanish main, which two cen
turtles before had been the field OF free
hooters. On his journey to California he
had passed through Nicaragua aud studied the
condition of the country. He sent agent
named Cole TO sound the Inhabitants The con-
diton of the country Was one of armed peace.
Every house was fortified; incessans and
revolutions had left the people ripe for any
thing, and almost ruined their commercial and
agricultural interests There were two polit-
icaI parties, the ''Chimarristi" or .iAristocrats
composed OF the oldest Castian families and
the Democrats. and the bitterest feeling existed
between them. This Coles chance, and he
went work to the oppressed working
classes, who made the Democratic party.
commission as general of the Democratic
army and grant of IS 600 acres of land were
secured by Cole for Walker and the latter be-
gan TO prepare for the expedition. Fifty-three
men, all true ''Forty-uinera," brave and reck-
less, were selected as nis chief force. Helanded
IN hialto IN May, 1850. and the Democrats
focked to him. In the first action, attempt
to take Rivas his native soldiers fed before a
shot was fired. and the gallant California band
fought ;t out against force outnum oerlng
Walkers band three to one 1t ia said that all
the Nlcaraguan dead were shot through the
head oy the American fiIbusters. and the cour-
on the defenders that the adventures captured
Grenada in October without difficulty. This
was one of their most remarkable achievements
"a city or 10 UOU inhabitants taken by fifty men.
Fear caused the aristocrats to make peace, and
a new government was formed with Walker as
commander-in-chlsf of its army. In month
that audacious man had complete control of the
country. and began to prepare to make war on
Costa RIGA. The Central American States,
aehast at the presence of this new foe began
eotiations with him for peace. The fame of
al 8 had tha IN. taG and
there was rush to join him. Money was also
subscribed to Walkers schemes in large ouanri-
ties Men of all classes enlisted with him, and
criminals fled to his force, and massed with edu-
Gated and well-bred whom poverty or love
of adventure had driven to the same leader.
There were no uniforms, and arms of all descip-
Walker ruled his army with an iron hand.
Physically he was one of the most insignificant
of men. He was about five feet and six inches
tall and very slender, weighing scarcely lIU
pounds. His perfectly effeminate.
His features We're regular. His most marked
characteristic was a very large and limpid gray
eye. 1t could beam softly flash like coal.
Not man could bear it's scorching glance when
Walker angry. He was very taciturn, never
speaking of mis- plans His authority
questioned. An order from him to shoot their
favorite comrade would have besn instantly
obeyed by the troops He was absolutely with
out fear, one OF those rare men who are unable
to realize danger.
Walker sent a minister representative to
Washington. President Pierce was inclined to
recognize him. but stern old Marcy, Secretary
of the State. refused TO do So Meanwhile re-
cruting went on. The struggle between the
North and South over the extension of slavery
was in progress, and bloody deeds were being
done in Kansas.
The question was then being excitedly dis
cussed by the North and South, and Walker by
shrewd manipulation, brought bcrh sides to his
assistance. Then, when men began to leave in
great numbers to join Walker, and every vessel
into Nicaragua brought him arms and forces,
the government began to wake up and attempt
to stop it. The Walker matter had got into pol
itlcs, but while tremendous being
made about it in the United States, Walker was
stirring up war with Costa RIGA He then had
large force. and was in position to carry out
his plans. Undoubtedly his object to sub
Juga;e, one after another, all the Central Ameri-
republics. On their ruins he intended to
erect a monarchy with himself as king.
Before he took the field he made unfortu-
nate blunder which off a large part of his
financial support, and thus precipitated his
downfall By the same act he lost communica-
ton with the outside world.
The Central American states plucked up cour-
age. They formed alliance for mutual pro-
lection, and threw an army of 30. coo men in the
field against Walkers $500 His men began to
desert and some of his chief officers betrayed
him Everything conspired against him. and as
his last resort he took his little army into bat
tie. He DESTROYED Grenada, declared himself
President, and then fell back to the interior
For five months battle after battle was fought
with desperate courage. and one of Walkers
men grew TO be considered equal to five of the
native soldiers General Henningseu, a Euro
pean soldier of fortune, Walkers chief officer,
with four hundred men, cut his way through
], 800 at Rivas. Colonel O'Neil, Southern
youth who. as he was carried off the field
litter, eInptied his revolver at the foe; Captain
Casey, one-armed officer, Captain Finney, and
their commands, all performed equally heroic
service. A detachment of fifty-seven met
the enemy and fought until all but three were
dead.
But the end near and defeat followed de-
feat, until Walker lost hope. and when offered
the chance. took band parole. before
the United States troops came to fight him as
had been threatened. He continued to plot,
and after several attempts, got possession of
Truxillis. the chief harbor of Honduras. He
had a force of about three hundred men, many
of whom were killed, and when his command
had peen reduced that he could not resist.
was captured.
A British army officer rescued him. but Walk
er was again captured, and Septem Der H. 1867
was shot by order of court martial. The
United States never protested.